First Day of School

Joshua and Sophia began school at a private international school called Ecole Bilingue International two weeks ago. It is part of a private Catholic school called Massillon but is not religiously affiliated at all. Their instruction is completely in french. They LOVE it! They go four days a week - every day except Wednesday - which is typical for a french school. They have been attending half days but Joshua will begin going full days with a two hour lunch at home after this two week vacation. Their teachers - Vivian, for Josh and Pascale, for Sophia - are delightful and have nothing but praiseful "tres biens!" to say about Joshua and Sophia. Joshua came home from his first or second day and announced bashfully that he has a girlfriend. What?? We emphasize that she is a friend that is a girl. He gets all bashful when we ask about her and blushes a bit. It is cute but I am like - already? at FOUR? Sophia's teacher is super sweet and just adores Sophia. Gives her the bises (kisses on each cheek) upon arrival and departure. Sophia now loves to give the bises at home... she calls it the "french kiss". Pascale held a meeting last week for all of the new student's parents and she spoke entirely in french. I could figure out mostly what she was saying by picking out key words and context and tone of voice but it was really difficult and somewhat exhausting. I got a taste of what the kids and Freddie experience during their days. It was fun to see what they do during the day. I came home and asked Sophia if she ever had the "carte du jour" and she said no but then started rattling off the days of the week in French. On a felt board in class they have the days of the week in french and next to it a square that says "carte du jour" and a picture of one of the children in the class who, I gathered from Sophia, has the privilege of saying what the current day is and reviewing the other days along with the weather and date.

So, school thus far has been a huge success. It was bitter sweet for me as I have been home schooling them formally for the past year but informally for their entire lives. I am really torn about having them in school vs home schooling still but I know for right now they are right where they should be.

First day of school all frenchy in their boots!

Emily Claire excited on the first day of school for big brother and sister.

Sophia, with her Dora "sac à dos" and Daddy walking to school.

The red gate where I wait with my Emily at 11:30am to enter the courtyard to pick up my babies.

Emily in her recently fave mode of transportation waiting to see Joshua and Sophia. She spends beaucoup de temp dans la poussette as we stroll around Clermont. I do enjoy spending some one on one quality time with my Em.